Armchair covers come in shapes to match your chair. Tub and club chairs need a rounded cut, wingbacks need shaped wings, and modern boxy chairs are the most forgiving. Identify your chair shape first, then pick a stretch fabric and check the width against the product page. Covaba armchair covers start from £31.99.
Why armchair covers are worth it
A slipcover is the fastest way to change how a chair looks and feels without buying new furniture. Stretch covers pull snugly over the frame, smoothing sagging cushions and hiding scratches, pet hair and dated patterns. They come off in seconds, so they are far easier to keep clean than fixed upholstery, and you can swap colours with the seasons.
There is a practical side too. If you have pets, children or a chair that catches the afternoon sun, a cover takes the daily punishment so the original fabric stays protected. For the full background on how slipcovers behave, our guide to the types of covers is a useful companion read.
The three things that decide fit
- Chair shape. A tub or club chair has a curved, barrel-like back. A wingback or bergere has tall side panels near the head. A modern armchair is upright and boxy. Buying for the wrong family is the most common reason a cover looks baggy, so identify your shape first.
- Fabric and stretch. Plain jersey is soft and budget-friendly, herringbone knit hides marks, and a leather-look finish gives a smart, wipeable surface. Our fabric guide explains the trade-offs.
- Colour and size. Measure the width across the widest point of the arms and check it against the product page. Darker tones forgive busy rooms, while sage, taupe and pearl grey keep a space light.
Armchair cover styles compared
This table matches the shape families to the most popular fabric finishes, with real prices from the Covaba armchair covers collection.
| Style | Best for shape | Finish | From (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain stretch | Contemporary, modern | Soft plain knit | 31.99 |
| Herringbone knit | Tub, club | Textured knit, hides marks | 40.99 |
| Smooth | Contemporary, wingback | Smooth stretch, tailored | 44.99 |
| Leather look | Tub, club | Wipeable, easy to clean | 49.99 |
Shop armchair covers by chair shape
One pick for each of the three main shapes. Tap any cover to check the size and choose your colour.
Prefer a textured tub option? The Herringbone Knit tub cover in Forest at £40.99 adds warmth to a reading nook. See everything in the armchair covers collection.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying by colour alone. A beautiful cover in the wrong cut will never sit right, so match the shape first.
- Skipping the measurement. Most covers list a width range to check against your chair.
- Going too light in a high-traffic home, which shows marks fast.
- Over-stretching a cover that is slightly too small, which thins the fabric and shortens its life.
Fitting and care
Pull the cover over the back first, settle it down the arms, then tuck the excess into the gaps around the seat cushion so it grips. Most stretch covers wash at a cool 30 degrees and are best air-dried rather than tumbled on high heat. The same principles scale up in our stretch cover fitting guide. If your armchair sits alongside dining seating, our dining chair covers guide follows the same logic for a coordinated room.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have a tub, wingback or contemporary chair?
Look at the back and sides. A curved, barrel-shaped back means a tub or club chair. Tall panels near the head, called wings, mean a wingback or bergere. An upright, boxy frame with defined arms is a modern armchair.
Will a stretch armchair cover fit my chair?
Most stretch covers fit a range of widths, so measure across the widest point of the arms and check that figure against the size range on the product page before ordering.
Are armchair covers machine washable?
Yes. Most stretch covers wash at a cool 30 degrees and are best air-dried rather than tumbled on high heat, which keeps the elastane and the snug fit in good shape.
Which fabric is best if I have pets?
A leather-look finish wipes clean and resists snags, while a herringbone knit hides hair and marks well between washes. Darker colours also disguise everyday wear.
How much do armchair covers cost?
At Covaba, plain contemporary covers start from £31.99, herringbone tub covers from £40.99, smooth styles from £44.99, and leather-look finishes from £49.99.
Refresh your chair today
Match the shape, pick a fabric that suits how you use the chair, and check the width before you buy. Shop the Covaba armchair covers collection and find the fit that transforms your favourite seat.
